‘The Great Escaper’ first look: Michael Caine’s true-story drama reveals release date
We’ve got a sneak peek at a movie we’re very excited about; The Great Escaper!
The upcoming British film reunites screen legends Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, who last appeared on screen together almost 50 years ago in Joseph Losey’s 1975 classic The Romantic Englishwoman.
Filming began in England last autumn, with Oliver Parker directing.
Parker previously helmed several fun movies and series, including Gemma Arterton’s recent 60s drama Funny Girl, both modern St Trinian’s films, 2002’s The Importance of Being Earnest adaptation, and Swimming with Men.
Inspired by true events, The Great Escaper tells the story of octogenarian Bernard Jordan’s escape from his care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France.
Here’s a lovely photo of Glenda Jackson in the movie:
“In the summer of 2014 Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines,” the official synopsis tells us. “He’d staged a ‘great escape’ from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades.
“It was a story that captured the imagination of the world – Bernie seemed to embody the defiant, “can-do” spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing.
“But of course, it wasn’t the whole story. It was the story we all tell ourselves to make war and old age bearable. The bitter-sweet script explores the reality with wit and a very big heart.
“Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson) – the story celebrates their love without sentimentality and with an eye to the lessons we might all learn from the Greatest Generation.”
When’s the release date?
The Great Escaper will open in cinemas in the UK and Ireland in October 2023, studio Pathe has confirmed.
This photo of Michael Caine in character as D-Day veteran, Bernie Jordan, was unveiled by the filmmakers yesterday, marking the 79th anniversary of the D-Day landings:
Director Oliver Parker previously described the script by Made in Dagenham writer William Ivory as “so inspirational and so moving.”
“No one can resist a script that makes people both laugh and cry – I loved Billy’s writing and the story itself,” he said.
“To have Michael and Glenda – two iconic actors – agree to honour this story with their brilliance, it’s the cherry on the cake.”
We agree!
The Romantic Englishwoman is available on DVD on Amazon.